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Magaye Gueye: First Impressions…

Injuries to key personnel has given Magaye Gueye the opportunity to take centre stage in recent games . This quick post will look at what the Frenchman has shown so far and what we can expect from the forward in the future….

David Moyes was tipped off about Gueye last summer by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier who had scouted him during his time at Lyon. Last season Gueye bagged 11 goals from 28 games despite missing several months of the season through injury. He has had to be patient to get the nod after repeated bench assignments in his debut season in England. Part of this is due to the complicated deal which brought him to the club. The Blues paid £900k up front, but could owe a further £600k dependent on appearances, one segment of which being that if he plays 15 games this season a further £300k is owed to Strasbourg. Maybe this is why he hasn’t had more cameo roles from the bench. Anyway, moving on…….

Our switch to a 4-2-3-1 system, coupled with injuries in the midfield and forward areas has given the young Frenchman his opportunity. More of a forward but also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, the French U21 International has a question mark over his defensive capability, so the 4-2-3-1 system suits him well with an extra defensive midfielder as cover in behind.

Below: A quick scouting summary on his stats so far for the Blues in league games……

Gueye is heavily left footed shown by the above breakdown of his goals last term, so he is a natural on the left side but is comfortable cutting in from the right onto his best foot.

In his Premier League debut as a sub above , Gueye comes on to pierce a great through ball for Beckford’s ‘ghost goal’ – showing he is capable of dropping deep to create for a striker. He showed in this game his ability to play as a withdrawn second striker, adopting a very direct approach in taking on his opponent 9 times, winning 4 of these take on duels.

Gueye has certainly shown quality in each of his run outs so far. He has good strength, is direct and can pick a pass. With 6 games to go he will be hoping for more match time and to show the Blues faithful his full repertoire.